Happy 1st Birthday, Landry Jay!

I am a week late in posting these pictures since this little guy is actually a Valentine's Day baby but here are a few pictures from my nephew Landry's first birthday party. So fun, even though the birthday boy was not feeling in tip-top shape. I love how big brother, Drew, comes to the rescue with blowing out the candle (in second photo). And that last one, Landry seems to be thinking, "So...that's what sugar tastes like. Wow! More, please."

Misc. Ponderings...

Lots of randomness around here. Really just trying to keep up with two busy boys. Here is a sampling of the thoughts which have drifted thru my mind recently (if you are interested). And if you are not, I totally am okay with that!

How often do YOU sweep your kitchen floor? Or, do you (like me) sometimes consider simply offering the crumbs & puddle of Crystal Light as a snack to the kiddos later in the day?

Have you ever had a punishment backfire? Because of some behavioral issues (you know, the run-of-the-mill hitting (me&Avante)/angry screaming (all day long!), kicking (me again, in the skins)/throwing things (hard things, things which hurt when the target is hit!), Xander got only beans for dinner. Unfortunately, he liked them so much he kept asking for more!

Does getting the clothes washed, but NOT dried/put away still count as accomplishing a load of laundry?

Do your kids' dresser drawers 'magically' spit items out of them? Alexander said he saw this phenomenon happen the other afternoon but was unable to explain exactly how or why it occured.

Do you ever browse Amazon.com during naptime wondering if you can afford to get an entire case of Peanut Butter M&Ms delivered to your door, with free 2-day shipping?
There you go; I warned you it was random. Thanks for reading along, friends!

Life is Crazy...

...so not much time to 'gather' my thoughts but here is a quick picture of the X-man to hold you over until that happens. Two of his (currently) favorite articles of clothing: his bright red Daddys-Little-Helper hat and his Spiderman PJs. Check out his reading material, too. Every child's favorite Sunday ad, ToysRUs.

Memory Verse Confusion

I was practicing Xander's memory verse for Sunday School with him this morning and the boy, he was plain confused. I repeated the verse several times when I realized why. As we continue to adjust to (A)'s presence in our home, which is challenging for our usually an only child little man, I had Xander repeat the Golden Rule so many times this past week that he thought THAT was his memory verse.

Snowday with the M.Girls

We had plans to meet friends at the Kohls Childrens Museum last week but with the heavy snowfall expected, decided it was not safe to make the long-ish drive (and since the museum closed early due to weather, glad we made that decision). But, since my boys were excited about plans to play with friends and it was FRIDAY, we made the shorter drive to play with the M-girls.

A&A wanted to pose for the camera, to admire themselves on the screen afterwards :) Here's a shot of these oh-so-good buddies.And this TOO CUTE image of Alea? This one is for GmaK. and GmaM. who I know occassionally read this blog :)

Ahh...First Snowfall of the Year

This guy loves the white stuff.
Daddy's snowblower? That's a big-time NO.
But shoveling & snow-angel making? That's a big-time YES!

It Seems All New Again...

We are just a few days short of two weeks as a family of four. Whew!

I have put an amazing amount of miles and used more cell phone minutes than I thought possible. It has been a rollercoaster of home visits, emails, dr. appointments, early intervention meetings, phone calls and networking. I have found myself in some excruciating situations. Dealt with some very hostile participants. Tried to accept/understand family dynamics which are worlds away from what is familiar.

It seems like once you welcome child#2 into your family, it is nearly impossible not to compare him/her with child#1. I am finding that to be the case with our two Safe Family placements. While both boys displayed some crazy curly hair (albeit completely different in color & texture), that is one of the few things (J) and (A) have in common.

(J) was nicknamed THE TANK and (A) simply TINY.
(J) was a mover! (A)vante is too, but he is also a snuggler.
(J) plowed into and thru new experiences/environments. (A) investigates, explores and then examines a little more.
By the time (J) returned home I felt peaceful he was returning to a safe environment. When I try to envision (A)'s future, all I can see is instability & chaos.

And the biggie! I was so determined to protect my heart I never allowed (J) to get TOO close. Not the case with little (A). Unintentionally, I have completely lost my heart to him. Now, it is not all bliss, and we're still in the honeymoon stage, but my heart has been impacted in a way it never has before. It is not exactly a mother's love, that is something entirely different, but a love which is unfamiliar. To be honest, it is a little bit scary. Because this child is NOT mine, nor will ever be. Some days I am afaid I will not simply MISS this child as I do (J), but when (A) leaves I will ACHE for him.

I thought this Safe Family journey would be easier the second time around. I am now realizing that EACH placement will be a unique journey. With NEW lessons to be learned. And NEW opportunities to trust. It was with relunctance that I pursued this ministry. It is with gratitude that I continue on.